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Schlagwerk makes top-of-the-line percussion instruments that are handmade in Germany. From cajons to shakers and more, Schlagwerk has everything you need to add some flavor to your percussion arsenal.

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Oye como va?! From African origins to further Latin American/Caribbean developments, these world percussion instruments are now ubiquitous across stages all over the world. These instruments have grooves and roots so deep that they unsurprisingly require years of study for percussionists and musicologists alike. Indeed, the history of congas, djembes, timbales, and more is at […]

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Find Your Groove with World Percussion Instruments

Drum kits will always have their place in mainstream music — but it’s world percussion instruments that let players truly leave their mark on a piece of music. From crowd-pleasers like the Vibra-Slap and slapstick to session staples like the tambourine and cowbell, Sweetwater is your premier destination for all your percussion needs. Whether you’re rounding out your aux rig or hunting for the perfect studio shaker, our experts are here to offer personalized advice and unmatched support every step of the way.

Ready to find your sound? Read on for tips to help you choose the right world percussion instrument for your setup.

Amp Up Any Genre with Hand Percussion from Around the World

Even if you’re not incorporating bossa nova beats or rumba rhythms into your compositions, you can still take your music to exciting new places by layering in instruments like the guiro and shekere. For example, instead of locking in beats with a 16th-note shaker, you could try using a cabasa or maracas; instead of cross-sticks, you could use claves.

World Instruments for Every Setup and Style

Many of our world percussion items mount to stands or rest securely on tables, making them perfect for set players and hand percussionists who want flexibility in how they write and perform.

Expand Your Sonic Palette with Auxiliary Percussion

An orchestra without percussion toys is like a canvas without color. If your group is getting by with just the bare minimum — bass drum, snare, and cymbals — it might be time to branch out. This goes double for percussion ensembles. Castanets, wind chimes, timbales, and gongs are a sure way to add variety to your arrangements and create more memorable performances.

Classroom Percussion for Education, Wellness, and Play

Exploring percussion together is a captivating classroom activity for students of all ages. For children, the 15-piece NINO Rhythm Percussion Set introduces a range of world instruments and brings out the natural music makers in us all. For adults, something like the Remo Rhythm Lid — whose soft, controlled playing surface attaches easily to any 5-gallon hardware store bucket — makes for a fun, therapeutic activity and an inexpensive indoor hobby.

Let Sweetwater Help You Build Your Next Hand Percussion Setup

Still not sure what instruments you’re after? Let Sweetwater help guide you to the sound or setup you have in mind. Our Sales Engineers have decades of experience in the music industry, and they love talking percussion gear just as much as you do. We’ll help you find the instrument you’re looking for and ensure it’s delivered in time for your next rehearsal, club gig, or studio date. Call today!

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